Arriva Trains Wales has clarified its position over an investigation into a train fire at Caerphilly station.
Caerphilly Observer reported recently that questions remained over the cause of the fire, which happened on a busy evening commuter train in October last year.
After initially refusing to disclose details of the cause of the fire, the train operator relented and said it was down to a “faulty wire”.
There were also conflicting accounts from the company over whether or not it had completed a report into the fire.
The company has now clarified its position.
A spokesman for Arriva Trains Wales said: “An initial internal report was completed to identify any immediate safety issues, but that a more detailed investigation report is due for completion shortly.
“We aren’t able to answer some of the specific questions as the full report has not yet been completed, but as described in our previous statement, the initial report identified that there were no immediate risks to our customers, and we have implemented a number of changes to processes as a result of the initial report in order to reduce the risk of this type of incident happening again.”
• Caerphilly AM Hefin David is urging rail passengers to have their say over who should operate Welsh train services.
The Welsh Government is undertaking a 12-week consultation on the Wales and Borders rail service, due to begin from 2018, as well as the next phase of the South Wales Metro.
Significant pressures on the valley lines service has led to Dr David meeting with Arriva Trains Wales on numerous occasions in the nine months since his election.
Dr David said: “There needs to be improvements to the service when the new franchise commences next year. I’m encouraging constituents who use the service to register their views in this consultation to help inform the Welsh Government of the priorities of rail passengers.”
So, not much ‘clarity’ so far. I wonder what the secrecy is all about?
Hefin David Assembly Member for Caerphilly has held a number of meetings with Arriva Trains to which he has ensured that members of the public with concerns have attended. He has also raised issues to do with Arrive Trains attitude in respect to the way they specifically deal with disabled Welsh Passengers travelling on Valley Trains., and that matter is so far unresolved but further discussions are taking place organised via our Assembly Members Office, and I would like to publicly acknowledge this, It is also welcome and refreshing to read Hefin David`s encouragement to engage with the process in regard to the service contract issue,
As I see it, Hefin David is representing ALL constituents and is actively engaging with them to ensure they have their say, for too long politicians at all levels have failed to engage once elected, I wonder if this is an example that that wont happen in the future?
While Hefin got more votes than me last year that has not stopped me working for Caerphilly, I have met Arriva Trains Wales a number of times since last years elections too. I commend Hefin for engaging on this matter, however I wonder if I had beaten him if he would have done the same?
Sam; the issue is not a battle for popularity between Hefin David and others, ( so far as I see it anyway) it is an acknowledgement that since being elected to the Assembly Hefin David has brought a new dimension to the way he processes `public engagement`,bringing into debates those who raise issues and ensuring they have every opportunity to make thier views and concerns felt and progressed, he does not act as a `sign post` as lots of politicians do, from my experience he opens doors for constituents to organisations and decision making individuals in authority so that constituents can make their points and concerns directly. all good stuff so far as I am concerned. more of it I say.
In my case arrangements have been made with a senior responsible executive of Arriva Trains for me to highlight, face to face, serious concerns in respect to Arrive Trains disrespect for Disabled Passengers and their discrimination of disabled people.
Where’s the link?